Extract from: Information for
Navy and Marine Corps Personnel ordered to Guam, Naval Government
of Guam, 1936. A tradition, much like that given when crossing
the Equator. [Source-
Univ of Miami, Richter Library, PanAm Collection] MAIN PAGEHALE PAGE

The
Roosters

Great antiquity is claimed for this fabulous organization.
Membership is confined to the officers of the Naval Station,
and certain other gentlemen who occupy key positions in the civilian
activities on the Island.

Meetings are held at irregular intervals and are presided over
by the Chief Whangdoodle who exercises complete authority. The
Chief Whangdoodle is assisted by certain aides in carrying out
the mysterious functions of his high office. It is said that
the novitiates are obligated in no way when they are initiated
into the sacred circle, except they are sworn not to divulge
solemn rites that they undergo.

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Photograph of unknown officer
riding to the Plaza on the back of a carabao, preparing to become
a young Rooster. Hale Collection, Hoover Archives.

Full fledged members are known as "Old Roosters," and
the candidates as "Cockerels." When the time seems
appropriate the Chief Whangdoodle commands that certain Old Roosters
go forth and bring in certain young Cockerels that he designates.

The Cockerels are herded somewhere in the vicinity of Dorn Hall,
which faces the Plaza, and are either mounted on carabaos or
confined in a gigantic chicken coop, and are paraded first with
martial music and then, as the execution place is approached,
with a funeral dirge. This parade is occasion for a Roman Holiday
and the populace of Agaña turns out en masse to view the
victims, The parade ends at the Cock Pit, located in Jagatña
Perch, sometimes called Shinohara's Gas Kitchen.

The ceremonies of initiation are carried out behind bolted doors,
but even so the shrieks of the victims often reach the ears of
the apprehensive wives, friends and relatives, who huddle in
a distressed group outside. A surgeon attired in an operating
gown, accompanied by trained assistants, is always in attendance,
so no serious casualties have occurred up to this writing, and
it has generally been noted that the newly spurred young Roosters
go about their duties the next day none the worse for the terrible
ordeal through which they have passes.